comb out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “comb out” mean?
To remove knots and tangles from hair using a comb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remove knots and tangles from hair using a comb.
To remove unwanted elements or identify and extract specific items from a larger group; to search and remove thoroughly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties, though 'comb' alone is more common for the literal action. 'Comb out' is more likely to be used for the metaphorical sense in American English.
Connotations
In business/military contexts, 'comb out' suggests a strict, efficient, and sometimes ruthless process of selection or reduction.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English for the metaphorical sense (e.g., 'comb out corruption').
Grammar
How to Use “comb out” in a Sentence
[Verb] comb out [Noun Phrase] (transitive)[Verb] comb [Noun Phrase] out (transitive, separable)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comb out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had to comb out the dreadfully matted fleece of the sheep.
- The police are combing out informants from the crowd.
American English
- He combed out the old files looking for the contract.
- The general ordered a comb-out of unfit soldiers from the regiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Management decided to comb out underperforming departments to increase efficiency.
Academic
The historian combed out crucial facts from the vast collection of primary sources.
Everyday
It took her twenty minutes to comb out her daughter's knotted hair after the beach.
Technical
The software can comb out duplicate entries from the database automatically.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comb out”
- Using 'comb out' for simply styling hair (use 'comb' or 'style').
- Confusing 'comb out' with 'sort out' (which implies organizing, not necessarily removing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can say 'comb the knots out' or 'comb out the knots'.
'Comb' is the general action of using a comb. 'Comb out' specifically emphasises the removal of something (tangles, unwanted items).
Rarely. It usually has a neutral or slightly negative connotation of removing something problematic or unwanted.
It can be used as a noun (e.g., 'a military comb-out'), but as a verb, it's typically written as two separate words.
To remove knots and tangles from hair using a comb.
Comb out is usually neutral to informal in register.
Comb out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊm ˌaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊm ˌaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'comb out the deadwood' (remove inefficient people)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fine-tooth comb pulling OUT all the tangles and unwanted bits.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS REMOVING IMPURITIES (e.g., combing out dirt from hair or bad elements from a system).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'comb out' used metaphorically?